Preparing for retirement, Sheriff Phillip Povero reflects on his tenure in office

Reflecting on a lifetime of service. Ontario County Sheriff Phillip Povero is retiring after nearly 30 years as Sheriff, and nearly 50 years with the department.

Sheriff Povero says there are many memorable cases he’s worked over the years, bringing justice to victims in countless crimes. As he retires, what he’s still most passionate about is protecting the most vulnerable.

On Sheriff Povero’s office wall, two pictures speak to a life of protecting the community: A 20-year-old Povero just starting out as a corrections officer, and decades later, a picture of him as sheriff.

“It’s hard to believe 47 years have gone by,” he said. “People say to me, ‘How have you managed to do this for 47 years?’ I’ve always looked at what we do as an opportunity to protect the people to the best of our ability.”

Over the years, he’s served in emergency dispatch, a police officer, an investigator, and 28 years as sheriff.

“There’s so many memorable cases that I was involved with personally – homicides, child victims, bringing to justice people involved in those crimes,” he recalled.

Sheriff Povero says his passion for children and seniors is what fueled his dedication to the job.